Deru Anding
London, UK
Deru Anding was born and raised amongst the Bidayuh tribe in the Sarawak region of Borneo. He moved to London in 1998, where he has since lived and worked as an Architect and Artist.
In large-scale drawings, Deru illustrates his memories of growing up within the jungle, much of which has since been destroyed by logging and palm oil plantations. He hopes through his art to share and preserve the lifestyle of his people, whilst encouraging the conservation work so desperately needed in Borneo and beyond.
Deru Anding was born in 1977 in Skibang Village, located in the Jagoi region of Sarawak, Borneo. A self taught and highly talented artist, he draws from memory images of his time growing up as one of the Bidayuh people.
The name Bidayuh literally means ‘inhabitants of land’. The semi-nomadic tribe has a population of 200,000, but are now settled in villages or cities following the destruction of their land. Over the past decade, 75% of their forest has been lost to palm oil plantations, logging and other developments.
Deru’s large scale, detailed pen work tells a story of life lost, his memories of growing up in a semi-nomadic community. He passionately wants conservation to stop the further destruction of his homeland and help to re-balance the relationship between humans and nature.
Deru works as an Architect in London, and has lived in the city since 1998.
Deru on Human Nature
Having been raised in a small village surrounded by jungle back in Borneo, I was taught by my parents that the jungle is not a static, but living entity. It is a dwelling place for both visible, living organisms, as well as many occupants that do not meet the eye. I believe the jungle has a spirit and is sacred.
Since the beginning of the 1990s, developments by those who make claim to be ‘progressive nations’ have rapidly encroached upon our precious environment. Clearing the way for palm plantations, logging and other constructions, we lost what was once our home.
Before our jungle is completely decimated and forgotten, I feel obliged to share the way we lived with present and future generations. Being invited to join Human Nature is a great opportunity for me to fulfil my mission. I believe in their vision of using art to convey to the public messages about the environmental issues we face today. I hope that with their support, my plea will be heard for greater conservation of the jungle, both in Borneo and across the world.